The Public’s Relationship with Science
Insights from South Africa
How do people view science, and what shapes their trust in it? A recent study from South Africa (HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) offers fascinating insights into these questions.
👉 According to the study, factors such as education, socio-economic status, and access to information play a crucial role in shaping public attitudes toward science.
👉 While many South Africans recognize the value of science, concerns persist. People worry that scientists keep their work secret
and may harm people or animals in their work, raising important questions about the role of ethical conduct and transparency in science.
👉 The study also highlights the research areas the public sees as most relevant to society’s needs, including energy supply, water supply and education quality.
👉 Another significant takeaway is the public's recognition of traditional knowledge systems as a legitimate form of science. "There is a growing recognition that modern science (which favours analytical and reductionist methods) is not the only knowledge form, and that community and traditional knowledge (which favour intuitive and holistic approaches) are also valued and should be promoted.”
This highlights the importance of promoting inclusivity and cultural relevance in research and science communication.
Having worked on initiatives to strengthen trust in science and democracy, I see parallels but also particularities between the challenges faced in South Africa and those seen globally. 🌍 Building trust in science is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor — it requires understanding local experiences and perspectives, addressing public concerns about the motivations of scientists, and valuing diverse knowledge systems.
I'd love to hear your thoughts:
🔹 How can science communicators address public concerns about the motives of scientists?
🔹 Have you seen efforts to integrate traditional knowledge systems with formal scientific research in your region?
See more on the unique “fingerprint” of the South African public’s relationship with science across 27 measures (study results): https://lnkd.in/dpZhzx3d
See also: https://lnkd.in/dfWWGmek
👉 According to the study, factors such as education, socio-economic status, and access to information play a crucial role in shaping public attitudes toward science.
👉 While many South Africans recognize the value of science, concerns persist. People worry that scientists keep their work secret
and may harm people or animals in their work, raising important questions about the role of ethical conduct and transparency in science.
👉 The study also highlights the research areas the public sees as most relevant to society’s needs, including energy supply, water supply and education quality.
👉 Another significant takeaway is the public's recognition of traditional knowledge systems as a legitimate form of science. "There is a growing recognition that modern science (which favours analytical and reductionist methods) is not the only knowledge form, and that community and traditional knowledge (which favour intuitive and holistic approaches) are also valued and should be promoted.”
This highlights the importance of promoting inclusivity and cultural relevance in research and science communication.
Having worked on initiatives to strengthen trust in science and democracy, I see parallels but also particularities between the challenges faced in South Africa and those seen globally. 🌍 Building trust in science is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor — it requires understanding local experiences and perspectives, addressing public concerns about the motivations of scientists, and valuing diverse knowledge systems.
I'd love to hear your thoughts:
🔹 How can science communicators address public concerns about the motives of scientists?
🔹 Have you seen efforts to integrate traditional knowledge systems with formal scientific research in your region?
See more on the unique “fingerprint” of the South African public’s relationship with science across 27 measures (study results): https://lnkd.in/dpZhzx3d
See also: https://lnkd.in/dfWWGmek